Year Abroad Program

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Year Abroad Scholarship supports Polish language studies at the Jagiellonian University's Center of Polish Language and Culture in Cracow, Poland. Scholarships are awarded under the auspices of the Foundation's Exchange Program with Poland and Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange.  Students who are awarded a scholarship are accepted to attend the Center for Polish Language and Culture program at the Jagiellonian University. The scholarship includes a tuition waiver and 1,600 zloty per month for living expenses in Poland from Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange as well as $1,125 per semester in additional support from the Kosciuszko Foundation. 

Airfare is not covered by the scholarship. Please note that the Scholarship Selection Committee may elect to award semester-only grants. 

POLISH STUDIES FOR FOREIGNERS CATALOG

 The academic year in Poland begins in early October and ends in late June.  Students may apply for an academic year or for one semester.  For an overview of the program, please see the most recent catalog here. The catalog includes an academic calendar, list of courses, information on dormitory housing, medical insurance, the University's grading system, etc.  

Please note: 2022/2023 dates will differ slightly than the dates listed in the catalog link above.  

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible candidates include undergraduate sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are US citizens.  

SELECTION CRITERIA

Selection is based on academic excellence, the applicant's motivation for pursuing Polish studies, interest in Polish subjects and involvement in the Polish American community. Applications are reviewed and ranked by the Jagiellonian University and the Foundation's Scholarship Selection Committee.  

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

STEP 1:

Secure two recommendation letters and have your recommenders send them directly to:

exchangetopoland@thekf.org. 

Requirements of a Recommendation letter:

• The authors should be the two individuals who can best speak to your ability to study in Poland; they should discuss your intellectual and professional preparation.
• At least one of the letters must be from an individual with academic rank of Professor (i.e. Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor).
• Letters should be addressed to the Kosciuszko Foundation Academic Advisory Committee.
• Anyone who serves as a recommender may not also provide the applicant with an invitation letter.
• References from relatives are not permitted.
• The KF does not accept recommendation letters after the application deadline, which is March 21st, 2022.
• The letter may be submitted as a PDF file. 

Recommendations sent by the candidate will not be considered. 

STEP 2:

Complete the online application form:

Prepare the following supporting materials and have items 1 to 6 ready to upload to the on-line application form.  Item 7 needs to be sent separately.

Supporting materials include: 

Item 1 – A photo of yourself, which is suitable for publication such as a portrait photo or headshot which is 2 inches x 2 inches.  

Item 2 – A scan of your U.S. passport ID page or a birth certificate.

Item 3 - A scan of the your highest degree diploma and language certificates. 

Item 4 – Curriculum Vitae (C.V.). The Curriculum Vitae describes academic credentials and demonstrates a record of scholarly achievements. When composing a Curriculum Vitae, it is essential to include:

• Education (universities attended, degrees earned, and dates received)
• Professional positions held
• Membership and activities in professional associations
• Professional honors, awards and fellowships

Item 5 - An essay on why you are applying to attend the program at the Center for Polish Language and Culture at the Jagiellonian University.  Your essay should be 2-3 pages. 

Item 6 – $50 non-refundable application fee. At the end of the application form, you will be asked to make a payment via PayPal or debit/credit card. 

Item 7- Submit official transcripts of credit for 3 years of academic work.   This document should have an official signature and stamp from your school or faculty. There are two ways you can send us the transcripts:

1. Mail transcripts to: Gosia Szymanska, 15 East 65th Street, New York, NY 10065

or 

2.  Go to your student account online and request a Secure Electronic PDF Transcript be sent to ExchangetoPoland@thekf.org via their electronic delivery service. Secure Electronic PDF Transcripts must be sent directly from your college/university's electronic delivery service.

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E-mail for letters of recommendation and questions:

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Year Abroad Program

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